Scooter News Kymco Downtown 300i We've now had time to get up close and personal with Kymco's Downtown 300i.
Allen Drysdale
Last year myself, Muz and Scooterman took up the challenge of riding Melbourne to Sydney on 300 class scooters. The Downtown was one of those scooters and over the trip it became the standout performer.
The ability to scratch along country roads at fair rate of knots was impressive. The ability to maintain constant freeway speeds was even more so. The Downtown has the ability to tour and tour easily.
So this we already know about the Downtown. As a long term prospect though, how have we found the Downtown 300i ABS?
Has it been as good around the city as it was on high speed backroads or long freeway stretches. I thought it was time I listed some points and thoughts on how city life has treated the Downtown.
Things to Like
First of all, power. The Downtown for me takes the cake in this class. The Downtown is near on 300 cc, 299.8 to be exact. In real world power terms this equates to class leading performance . Take off is brisk. The ability to hold well above road legal speeds is handy when needed. The ability to overtake makes a welcome change. The engine and transmission are both very well suited.
Anti-lock brakes. Whilst I've only needed ABS assistance twice, it's still nice to know it's available when needed. One crash is one too many and having ABS means you have a sense of added security when braking heavily. Never really a huge fan, after living with the Downtown, I am now.
Low speed balance. The Downtown shows a steady hand at low speeds. Some may say "so what". I don't - the Downtown will crawl along in heavy traffic or perform slow speed manoeuvring without the tendency of wanting to tip over. And this helps when you have a scooter of this size and style. Commuting is a breeze and a real bonus aspect to this model.
Practical. I've found the Downtown extremely practical. Storage is sufficient and there seems to be enough storage alternatives. For example, the bag hook I use on most rides to carry my laptop. The huge rear seat is wide and flat, the rear grab handles act as great tie down points. The underseat storage area whilst not wide is still very long. So the Downtown has the ability to place long items under the seat i.e golf clubs for example. A weather proof glove-box houses a 12 volt charger, this also handy over time.
Weather protection is awesome. The protection is mainly due to the style, touring type scooters rock when it comes to protection. A rakish front end that will have the elements deflecting around or over you. In light rain the front fairing and windscreen will do a top job of trying to keep you dry. The windscreen I found spot-on for my size. Being adjustable it should suit most.
Overall handling. In general the Downtown is quite capable once set up for your particular size and weight. Initially the front end felt a little harsh over bumps. A few adjustments and this has been resolved. The Downtown has a set of beefy 5-way adjustable shocks on then rear. Now it's all dialled in, turn in is sharp, it's a fun ride around town.
Please Fix Kymco
Storage width. As mentioned, the underseat storage area can suffer from a lack of width. So fitting say a large laptop bag under the seat can be an issue. I did tend to carry mine on the front fuel hump, which I have to say was fine, though with a scooter this size you'd expect a little more width.
Battery placement. You need to pull the whole seat and bucket out if you wish to charge the battery. This has happened twice where I've left the light on by not closing the seat properly (warning). One of those external leads would be the answer here.
There you have it. I would have no problems at all accepting the Downtown as a permanent in-house mule.
Here's a simple way of looking at it. Not once have I looked at the Downtown and thought "nah, I'll take something else". Around town, across town, intercity or interstate the Downtown is a very capable machine. I've never had to think twice or 2nd guess its capability. It's been ultra reliable too.
Which is the way I look at a scooter these days. How many roles in my life can this scooter fill?
Kymco Australia have kept the price ultra competitive. Nationally I am seeing prices of $7490 Ride Away, so the value equation for me is there. A scooter with just about every angle covered for under 8 grand.
Nice One Kymco.
published 18/01/2012 |